Shell for caps or closures for bottles, jars, cans, and the like, and process of making the same.



PATENTED AUG. 28, 1906.

W. H. DODGE. SHELL FOR CAPS 0R OLOSURES FOR BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, AND THE LIKE,

AND PROCESS OF MAKING THE SAME.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 12, 1906.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

No. 999,913. PATENTED AUG. 29, 1909.

w. H. 901191;. SHELL FOR GAPS 0R GLOSURES FOR BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, AND THE LIKE, AND PROCESS OF MAKING THE SAME.

' APPLICATION FILED FEB-12. 1906.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

233420420 I v Q jiwew f o c v UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM H. DODGE, OF MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY.

SHELL FOR CAPS R CLOSURES FOR BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, AND THE'LlKE,AND PROCESS OF MAKING THE SAME.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 28, 1906.

Original application filed October 31, 1905, .erlal h o. 285,255. Divided and this application filed February 12, 1906. Serial Like,and Process of Making the Same, of

' initial stage of production of the shell.

' integral throughout.

,3 3, Fig. 2.

which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to shells for caps or closures for bottles, jars, cans, and the like -and process for making the same.

The object of the invention is to provide a shell, and method of making the same, for caps or closures for bottles, jars, cans, and the like.

Other objects of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter.

The'invention consists, substantially, in the construction, combination, location, arrangement, and mode of operation, all as will be more fully hereinafter set forth, as shown in the accompanying drawings, and finally pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, and to the various views and reference-signs appearing thereon, Figure 1 is a view plan of a blank plate from which the shell for a cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans, or the like is to be made. Fig. 2 is a plan view of a blank plate, shown in Fig. 1, drawn into eccentric cup shape and having a peripheral shoulder or projection formed therein in the Fig. 3 is a transverse central section on the line Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing the shell at another stage in its manufacture and after the removal from the base or top thereof of a crescent-shaped strip in order to reduce the top or base to circular contour and to partially separate a portion of the flange from such top or base, but leaving the flange peripherally continuous or Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, showing the shell after the shoulder or pro ection has been rolled out or reduced.

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of a cap or closure complete. Fig. 7 is a side view or elevation of the same. Fig. 8 is a broken detail view, in side elevation, of a form of integral connecting-web for connecting the separated portion of the flange with the adjacent or unseparated'portion of the flange. Figs. 9 and 10 are broken detail views similar to Fig. 8, showing modified forms and shapes of integral connecting-webs. Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 4, showing a modified form of shell wherein the integral connecting-web portion is formed intermediate the ends of the separated portion of the flange. Fig. 12 is a broken viewin plan of a completed cap or closure embodying the construction shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a broken view in plan similar to Figs. 4 and 11, showing a modified form wherein an integral connecting-web is formed at each end of the separated portion of the flange. Fig. 14 is a broken view in plan similar to Figs. 6 and 12, showing a complete cap or closure embodying theconstruction of Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a broken view in plan similar to Figs. 4, 11, and 13,showing a modified form of shell employing a plurality of integral connecting-webs in the separated portion of the flange. Fig. 16 is a broken view in plan similar to Figs. 6, 12, and 14, showing a completed cap or closure embodying the structureof Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is a view in side elevation, parts in section, showing the application of a completed cap or closure embodying the principles of my invention to a bottle, jar, can, or the like.

Thesame part is designated by the'same reference-sign wherever it occurs throughout the several views.

The subject-matter of the present application is divided out of my pending application, filed October 31, 1905, Serial No. 285,255.

In the manufac cure of caps or closures for bottles, jars, cans, and the like it is desirable to produce a device which is not only simple in construction and economical in manufacture, but also which is capable of being readily, easily, and quickly applied to or removed from the mouth of a bottle, jar, can, or the like, while at the same time efficiently sealing the bottle, jar, can, or the like hermetically when applied thereto. In attaining simplicity of structure and economy in manufacture it is desirable to avoid employing a plurality of parts requiring the necessity for assembling such parts by hand, and in attaining efliciency, rapidity, and ease in the application of the cap or closure to or its removal from a bottle, jar, can, or the like it is desirable to rovide means whereby the effective inclosing or surrounding diameter of the cap or closure may be readily contractible.

It is among the special objects of my present' invention to provide a shell or blank and a method of producing the same for use in the manufacture of caps or closures wherein these various purposes and results stated are accomplished, and in carrying out my invention I ropose to form the cap or closure from a sin e piece of material, preferably of sheet meta such, for instance, as tin-althou h I do not desire to be limited or restricte in this'regard. In carrying out my invention I produce from a sheet of the selected metal or material a blank plate of sufficient size and of the desired contour from which a shell is produced and which by suitable and proper manipulation in successive steps the finished cap or closure as a completed article is formed. In Fig. 1 I have shown at A a blank plateoblong in outline and of sufficient area to produce a completed cap or closure of the desired size. Ordinarily, but in this respect I do not desire to be limited or restricted, the

peri heral edge a b 0 forms a semicircle, and simi arly the peripheral edge portion (1 e f forms a semicircle, the dotte lines a c and d f representing diameters of saidsemicircles, respectively, said'diameters being of sufficient distance apart from eachother to leave the lines (1 a and f c substantially parallel transversely thereacross,

with each other, thereby forming substantially a rectangular ortion intermediate the longest dimension 0 the plate and extending thus producing, in effect, an oval or oblon sha e plate. A plate so produced is next' rawn y stamping, molding, or otherwise into the form of a cupshape blank or shell, as shown in Fi s. 2 and 3, having a top or base ortion B an a flange C. By means of a- 'e or other suitable means a peripheral shoulder or offset D is formed in the edge of the blank or shell extending transversely of the flange C, as clearly indicated in Fig. '2. It is obvious that the plate A may be cut from the sheet of material and drawn into blank cup-shape or shell form at one operation. Similarly the offset or shoulder D may be formed at the same time. It is obvious, however, that my invention is in no wise to be limited or restricted in these respects.

It will be observed that the to ,or base B and the flan e C are thus forme integrally with each 0t er and from a single piece of material and that the flange C is peripherally continuous throughout.

In order to produce a cap or closure having a continnuous and integral encirclin or inclosing flange which is contractible in iameter for ready application to or removal from a bottle, can, jar, or the like, I ropose in accordance with the principles 0 .tached to the separated my invention to separate the flange throughout a portion of its length from the to or base portion B. Therefore and in accor ance with the princiles of my invention and either before or after the blank plate A is drawn into proper cupshape toform the blank or shell, or at the same time therewithfI remove a strip or portion by cutting, punching, or otherwise from the top or base B, preferably along a line adjacent to the peripheral edge of said top or base, as indicated at E, Figs. 4 and 5, or otherwise sever such base or to along such line and throughout the desire "distance to separate a desir able peripheral length of the flange C from the top or base B, leaving, however, and preferably, a portion F of the top or base at ortion of the flange. In practice I have founthat the removal of a crescent-shaped strip, the outline of which is indicated and shown in Figs. 4 and 5, answers'my purpose; but I do not desire to be limited or restricted in this respect. In practice the severing-cut commences at one end adjacent the peripheral shoulder or offset D in the particular form of embodiment of my invention shown in Figs. 4 and 5, and by reasonof the shoulder or offset D being formed a portion of the top or base B remains attached or-connected to the separated portion of the flange at this point of be inning of the severing-cut. In other words, y providing this offset or shoulder the end of the cut does not extend to the peripheral edge of the top or base at this point, as clearly shown in Fig. 4. By reason of this feature of my construction and arrangement in the production and process of making my cap or closure I am enabled to completely cover 11 opening made by the severin -cut or t e removal of the strip referred to om the top or base When the separated portion of the flange is subsequently contracted in diameter in the application of the completed article to a bott e, jar, can, or the like. At its other end, in the form illustrated in Fi s. 4 and 5, the severin '-cut extends, asa't fr, to the peri he y of t e top or base B, but not through the flange 0, thereby leaving an integral conthe necting web portion H intermediate the sep- 'top or base, and the completed cap is form )d from the shell thus constructed, and, as explained herein, by bending or folding the web,

.thereby contracting the length of the flange and drawing the flange closely around the top or base.

After the separating-cut is made in the blank or shell, or after the strip is removed from the top or base, as above explained, or, if desired, at the same time therewith, the shoulder or'o'fl'set D is rolled out or flattened down,.as shown in Fig. 5.

In the manner above described I produce a' shell for a cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans, or the like made from a single piece of metal and embodying a top or base portion B and a peripheral flange C, which is peripherally continuous or integral throughout and which is integral with the base or top B, but a portion of which flange throughout a desirable length thereof is separated from the top or base B and wherein a portion of the top or base B remains connected with the separated portion of the flange, thereby forming a lip or rim adapted when the,separated portion of the flange is contracted to lap past or over the adjacent severed or free edge of the top of base, as clearly indicated in Fig. 17, thereby forming a closure for the opening made by the removal of the strip from the top or base B or the cut made therein to produce the separated portion of the flange, and in Figs. 6 and 17 I have shown in top plan and side elevation, respectively, a completed cap or closure with theseparated portion of the flange contracted in diameter and with the lip .F thereof overlapping the adjacent edge of the top or base B.

In order to contract the diameter of the flange to effect overlapping of the 'lip F upon the adjacent edge of the top or base B to produce the completed article, it is necessary to form the integral connecting portion H into a fold or loop. To facilitate the formation of the integral connecting-Web portion H into a loop or bend, I preferably cutout or remove a portion of such web so as to reduce the transverse width thereof, and in Figs. 8', 9,

.and 10 I have shown at H, H and H various forms of the integral connecting-webs referred to. I do not desire, therefore, to be limited or restricted to the exact shape or outline of the integral connecting web. By thus reducing the transverse width of the connecting-web I facilitate the forming of such web into aloop or bend, (indicated at J, Figs. 6, 7, and 17.) If desired, a loop or bend thus formed in the connecting-web may be folded or bent or flattened down against the side surface of the flange in order to prevent an undue projection or protruding thereof. It will be observed that by forming the bend or loop in the connecting-web the diameter of the flange is contracted and the separated portion of the flange is drawn into proper relation, with its lip portion F overlapping the edge of the top or base to produce the completed article as a sealing cap or closure.

It will also be observed that the cap or closure constructed and applied as above described maybe readily removed from the bottle, can, jar, or the like by simply unbending or unfolding the loop or fold, thereby increasing the diameter of the flange and unloosen-- ing the same.

Should it be desired to effect the breakage or rupture of the integral connecting-web in removing the cap or closure from a jar, bottle, can, or' the like, one or more scores or grooves (indicated at K K) may be provided at a convenient point in the length of such web, as indicated in Figs. 9 and 10.

In Figs. 11 and 12 I have shown a modified form of blank or shell and a cap or closure made therefrom, but embod ing the principles of my invention and'w erein the integrally-connecting web H instead of being formed at the end of the cut E is formed intermediate the ends of such cut, or rather intermediate the ends of the separated portion of the flange. In this instance a should'er or offset D is formed on opposite sides of the blank or shell and at each extremity of the cut E, thereby leaving a lip F connected with the separated portion of the flange on each side of the integralconnecting-web H, as clearly shown in Figs. 11 and 12 In this form of device the completed article is produced by forming the web into a fold or loop J in similar manner to that above described with reference to the construction shown in Figs. 6, '7, and 17, thereby contracting or drawing together the separated portion of the flange, with the lips F overlapping or lapping past the adjacent edge of-the top or base B.

In Figs. 13 and 14 I have shown another modified form of shell and cap or closure produced therefrom embraced within the spirit and scope of my invention and wherein an integral connecting-web H is formed at each end of the cut or at each end of the separated portion of the flange. In this form the completed cap or closure is produced by bending or folding the webs H as indicated at J, thereby contracting the diameter of the flange and drawing the separated portion into proper position, with the flange F thereof overlapping the adj aeent edge of the top or base.

In Figs. 15 and 16 I have shown another modified form of shell and cap or closure made therefrom embodying the principles of my invention and wherein the separated portion of the flange is provided with a plurality of integral web portions H each of which is formed into a bend or loop J to contract the diameter of the flange and to form the completed article, a lip F being formed intermediate each loop H and respectively adapted to overlap or lap past the edge of the top or base when the separated portion of the flange is contracted in diameter. 1

In Fig. 17 I have shown acompleted ca or closure applied to a bottle, ja'r, can, or the like, and in the application of such cap or closure I prefer to employ a sealing-disk L,

which I place within the bottom of the cap or closure and which rests upon the end surface of the edge of the bottle, jar, can, or the like to which the cap or closure'is to be applied, and in order to secure the cap or closure upon the jar, can, bottle, or the like the flange C may be crimped under the bead or shoulder formed at the neck or mouth of the bottle, jar, can, or the like, as indicated at M, and ina well-understood manner.

I do not claim herein the broad idea of a cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans, or the like formed from a single-piece of material and having a continuous partially-separated flange provided with a contracti leportion, as the same is claimed in my pending applica tion, Se'riaLNo. 285,255, filed October 31, 1906, hereinabove referred to. I

From the foregoing description it will be observed that the urpose of forming the blank plate A of oblong or oval shape is to reduce the top or base to circular contour and of less peri heral length than the circumferential lengtfi of the flange and-to enable the separation of the flange to be made for a portion of its length, so as to render said flange contractible in diameter to produce a circular inclosing flange in the completed article, and therefore the degree of oval or oblong will be dependentmore or less upon the degree of contractibility desired or upon the extent or area of strip removed from the top or base to effect a separation of the portion of the flange. L Y

From the foregoing description it will be seen that I provide an exceedingly simple and efficient blank or shell and method of producing the same to be formed into a cap or closure for bottles, j ars, cans, or the like and wherein all the parts thereof are integral with each other, wherein the flange which encircles or incloses the mouth'of the bottle, jar, can, or the like is continuous throughout its peripheral length and is contractible in diameter, so

- as to be formed readily and easily into the completed cap or closure.

As above indicated, it is obvious that many variations and changes in the details of construction, arran ement, and modes of o eration would readi y occur to persons sk l ed in the art and still fall within the spirit and scopeof my invention. While, therefore, I have shown and described the'various forms,

embodiments, and modes of operation involv- I ing the principles of my invention, I do not desire to be limited or restricted in the broad and eneric sense of my invention to the speci 0 details shown and described; but

What I do claim as new and useful and of my own invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. The method which consists in forming a late or blank into an eccentric-shaped shell aving a base or to and a peripherally-continuous flange; an then removing a strip from the base ortop along a line adjacent whereby said flange is ma peripheral length, to reduce the base or top to circular contour Without reducing the circumferential length of the flange and to separate a portion of the flange base. I 2. The method which consists in forming a blank plate into an eccentric-shaped shell having a base or top and an integral peripherally-continuousflange, and then removing a strip from the base or top along a line ad jacent the peripheral edge thereof, and for a portion of its peripheral length to reduce the top orbase' to circular contour and to sever a. portion of the length of the flange from the base or top thereby .leavin the flange of greater circumferential lengt h than the peripheral length of the top or base. I

3. The method which consists in forming a blank plate into an eccentric-shaped shell having a base or top and a peripherally-continuous flange, then removing a strip from the base or top on a line adjacent the peripheral edge thereof for a portion of its length to reduce the base or top to circular contour and to sever the flange from the base or top for a portion of its peripheral length, the line of cut for the removal of such strip being sufliciently removed from the peripheral edge of the base or top to leave a severed portion ofthe base or top integral with the separated portion of the flange to form a lapping lip and leaving the flange of greater circumferential length than the peripheral length of the top or base.

4. The method which consists in forming a blank plate into an eccentric-shaped shell having a base or top and a flange integral therewith and continuous throughout the length thereof, and then removing a strip from the top or base to reduce the same to circular contour and-to separate the flange for aportion of its peripheral len th from the base or top, thereby leavin t e flan e of' greater diameter than the iameter o the top or base and finally reducing the width of a portion of the separated art of the flange,

db contractible in diameter.

5. The method which consists in forming a blank plate into a shell oblong in shape and having a base or top and an integral continuous flange, and then removing a strip'from the top or base to reducethe same to circular contour and to separate the flange from the base or top for a portion of its peripheral length and leaving the flange of greater circumferential length than the peripheral length of the top or base.

6. The method which consists in forming a blank plate into an oblong shell having a base or top and an integral continuous flange, and then removing a strip from the top or base to reduce the same to circular contour and to separate said flange from the base or the periphery thereof, and for a portion of its 1 top for a portion of the peripheral length of from the top or said flange, thereby leaving the flange of greater diameter than the diameter of the top or base and finally forming a foldable portion in the. flange, whereby said flange may be contracted in diameter.

7. The method which consists in forming a plate into an eccentric-shaped shell having a base or top and an integral continuous flange, then forming a shoulder in said shell transversely of the flange, and finally removing a strip from the top or base to reduce the same to circular contour and to separate the flange from the base or top for a portion of the peripheral length of such flange commencing adjacent such shoulder thereby leaving the flange of greater circumferential length than the peripheral length of the top or base.

8. The method which consists in forming a blank plate into an eccentric-shaped shell having a base or top and an integral continuous flange, then forming a shoulder in said shell extending transversely of the flange, and removing a strip from the base or top adjacent the flange and for a portion of the peripheral length of the latter, commencing adjacent said shoulder to reduce the diameter of the top or base without reducing the diameter of the flange and to separate the flange from the top or base for a portion of its length.

9. The method which consists in forming a blank plate into an eccentric-shaped shell having a base or top and an integral continuous flange, then forming a shoulder'in said shell extending transversely of the flange, and removing a strip from the base or top adjacent the flange and for a portion of the peripheral length of the latter, commencing adj acent said shoulder, thereby reducing the diameter of the top or base without reducing the diameter of the flange and finally rolling out or reducing said shoulder.

10. The method which consists in forming a blank plate into an eccentric-shaped shell having a base or top and an integral continuous flange, then forming a shoulder in said shell extending transversely of the flange, and removing a strip from the base or top adjacent the flange and for a portion of the peripheral length of the latter, commencing adjacent said shoulder, thereby reducing the diameter of the top or base without reducing the diameter of the flange and finally forming a foldable portion in the separated part of the flange.

11. The method which consists in forming a blank plate into an eccentric-shaped shell having a base or top and an integral continuous flange, then forming a shoulder in said shell extending transversely of the flange, and removing a strip from the base or top adjacent the flange and for a portion of the peripheral length of the latter, commencing adjacent said shoulder, thereby reducing the diameter of the top or base without reducing the diameter of the flange and finally forminga weakened foldable part of the flange.

12. The method which consists in forming a plate into a shell-of oblong shape and having a base and an integral peripherally-continuous flange, and then removing a crescentshaped strip from the base or top along and adjacent to one of the ends thereof to reduce the top or base to circular contour and to separate the flange from the base or top for aportion of the peripheral length of the flange, thereby leaving the flange of greater circumferential length than the peripheral length of the top or base and finally forming a foldable portion in the separated part of the flange.

13. A shell for forming a cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, including a top or base and a continuous peripheral flange integral therewith, said shell being longer in portion in the separated diameter across the top or base in one direction than in the other, said flange being separated from the base or top for a portion of its peripheral length.

14. A one-piece shell for forming a cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, consisting of a top or base and a peripheral continuous flange formed integrally therewith, but separated therefrom for a portion of its peripheral length, said shell being longer in diameter across the top or base in one direction than in the other.

15. A shell for forming a cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, having a top or base and a peripheral flange formed integrally therewith, said top or base having a slit or opening formed therethrough to separate the flange therefrom for a portion of the length of the latter.

16. A shell for forming a cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like having a top or base and a peripheral continuous flange formed integrally therewith, said'top or base having a slit or opening therethrough adjacent its peripheral edge to separate the flange therefrom for a portion of the length of the flan e.

1%. A shell for forming a cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, having a top or base and an integral continuous peripheral flange, said top or basehaving a slit or opening therethrough along and adjacent the periphery thereof to separate the flange therefrom for a portion of the length of the flange,

' said flange having a foldable portion.

18. A shell for forming a cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans, or the like, having a top or base and an integral continuous flange, said flange being se arated from the base or top for a portion 0 the length of said flange, the separated portion of the flange having a lip or rim to lap upon or over the adjacent edge of the base or top.

19. A shell for forming a cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, having a top or base and an integral peripheral continuous flange, said flange being separated from the base or top for a portion of the length of said flange, the separated portion of said flange having a foldable art and a lip or rim. 20. A shell for ormin a to or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the ike, aving a top or base and an integral continuous peripheral flange, said topor base having a substantially crescent sha ed opening formed therethrough adjacent tiie peripheral edge thereof to separate the flange therefrom for a portion of the length of said flange, the separated portion of the flange having an engaging rim or lip, said flange having a foldable ortion.

21. A shell for forming a ca or o osure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, aving a top or base and a continuous peripheral flange formed integrally therewith, said flange having a shoulder formed in the side thereof, the base or top having a slit or opening formed therein, said slit or opening extending from a point adjacent the shoulder partially around the periphery of the base or top to separate the flange therefrom for a portion of the peripheral length of the latter.

22. A shell for formin a cap or closure for bottles, jars, cans or the like, having a top or base and a continuous peripheral flange 0 formed integrally therewith, said shell having a shoulder formed in the side thereof, the base or top having a slit or opening formed therethrough, beginning near the shoulder and continuing adjacent the peripheral edge ofthe base or top to separate the flange therefrom for a portion of the circumferential length of the flange, said slit or 0 ening continuing to the flange to form a f0 dable portion in the separated part of the flange.

23. The method which consists informing a blank plates of longer dimension-in one direction than the other, then drawing said plate into an eccentric-shaped shell having a top or base and an integral continuous peripheral flange, then removing a strip from the top or base along its peripheral edge to separate the flange from the base or top for a portion of the length of the latter and to reduce the base or top to circular contour, leaving a portion of the top or base on the separated portion of the flange to form an engaging lip-or rim and leaving the flange of greater circumferential length than the length of the top or base and final y forming a foldable portion in the separated part of the flange.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses, on this 5th day of February, A. D. 1906.

WILLIAM H. DODGE.

Witnesses:

HENRY BEST, S. E. DARBY.-.

eripheral 

